Dreading going back to work? Want to make your own rules (and money?). Maybe it’s time to take the route of a start-up mum

So many people dream about working for themselves – but when you become a mum, the idea of being able to work more flexibly becomes almost irresistible. 

Just imagine setting your own hours so you can be with your kids more. Not having to commute,  not getting stuck in traffic or miss your baby’s key milestones –  well, starting your own business starts to look very exciting indeed!.

In a recent survey, half the mums winding up on their maternity said they wished they could start their own businesses and not go back to work.

And lots of mothers are acting on this urge and starting on their journey as start-up mums. Next time it could be YOU! Here are some tips that you will find useful as you plan to get into business.

1. Do your research

Will the people you want to target buy your product or service? Is it unique enough to be appealing? Look at your competition and work out how your business could be different or better.

2. Work out hours

Figure out the amount of time you can devote to your business and devise a schedule. Think about childcare too – while one mum can fit her work around the children’s naps or in the evenings; another might find it easier to hire extra help and rope in - Grandma and other family members to baby sit. Work out hours  and a system that works for you.

3. Attend business training workshops

Make the most of these- see how you can up your skills related to the business you want to start and grow.

4. Create a business plan

This should set out aims and objectives, and the steps you need to take to achieve your goals.

5. Have a marketing plan

Work out how you’ll promote and market your business. Add a margin to your product or service price which will go towards promotion. Also have a planning session where you research advertising, marketing, PR and events. Note what activities you’ll do each month to promote the business, and spend 15 minutes each day doing them.

6. Promote online

Start a Twitter account in the name of your business; create a blog and a Facebook fan page. To make things easier,  use tools like Twitterfeed or Friendfeed to link your different networking sites together.

7. Target customers

From day one, start a customer database so you can send out regular newsletter and exclusive subscriber offers. It is easier to get existing customers to buy again than to find new ones.

8. Keep on top of your admin

Yes, we know it’s not the most exciting of jobs, but it’s best to keep a spreadsheet detailing every item of expenditure and revenue from the start than wade through a teetering pile of receipts when your tax return is due.

9. Get support

Allow in your business plan for help: you could find a bookkeeper, or get someone to help with PR, marketing, packing and post office runs or admin. Mental and emotional support is crucial, too.

So get in touch with other start-up mums via networking meetings or online and you’ll eventually build up a nice group of people who understand exactly what you’re going through.

10. Don’t underprice yourself 

Lots of people underprice their goods/services because they lack confidence or don’t want to price themselves out of the market. But your time is the most precious commodity – don’t forget that.

11. Remember the three P’s

Plan: Always have one. Then if you only have an hour while your baby is asleep, you’ll know what you’ve got to do and won’t waste your time.

Persist: Starting a business is harder than you think. It’ll take longer, more promotion…well, more everything than you think.

Promote: You have to push aside your inhibitions and insecurities and go for it! You can have the best idea in the world but if you can’t promote it, it won’t work. If this involves talking about your business in front of people you’ve got to do it.’